Japan consists of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The total combined surface area of these islands is close in size to Montana, while the population is almost 130 million, making Japan one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Nearly 80% of the Japanese reside in urban areas and almost half live in one of the major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya. Congested cities mean that space is limited, and many families live in very small apartments.

The foundation of Japanese society is the family, and family members are bound together by a strong sense of reputation, obligation and responsibility. An individual family member’s actions are thought to reflect on the entire family. Gender roles in Japanese families are still relatively traditional; the father is the breadwinner and head of the household, while the mother stays home and takes care of the children. Economic pressures are beginning to change this however, and today many women work outside the home. Divorce and single parenthood rates are still fairly low, however.

The Japanese traditional arts are unique and exquisite, and the opportunity to observe their creation first-hand is often among the highlights of a trip to Japan. Kabuki, a form of Japanese theater, is characterized by elaborate sets, costumes, and stylized movements and speech. The arts of caligraphy, tea ceremony and ikebana, or flower-arranging, well known to westerners, exemplify much of the romance of traditional Japan and are fascinating to watch.

High School in Japan (16-18)

A high school program in Japan is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore a fascinating culture that is very different from your own. While studying in Japan, you will be exposed to the unique artistic and cultural traditions that the country is famous for, such as the tea ceremony and Kabuki theater. Best of all, you will live the life of a Japanese teen as you attend school with your peers and live as a member of a Japanese family.

Teens in Japan enjoy many of the same activities as teens in the U.S. such as movies, shopping, and eating out. School in Japan is rigorous and the curriculum focuses on mathematics and sciences. Many of your classmates will spend years studying for the competitive, important university entrance exams.

Semester Program Options:

Spring Semester: March to August
Fall Semester: August to January

Academic Year Program Options:

Spring Start: March to January
Fall Start: August to June

For more information about CCI’s High School Abroad program or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

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Independent Homestay in Japan (18+)

A homestay program is a rare and unique unique opportunity to experience life as part of a Japanese family. Host family placements can be anywhere in Japan, although many are in the areas surrounding Tokyo. Your host family placement will include full board (3 meals per day).

The minimum age requirement for homestay programs in Japan is 18.

For more information about CCI’s Independent Homestay program for Adults (18 and over) or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

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Language School in Japan (18+)

The best way to learn Japanese is by studying it in Japan. CCI’s langauge school is located in Tokyo. Modern and vibrant, Tokyo has a lot to offer, from peaceful and serene shrines and temples to bright neon streets buzzing with people and excitement. At night, the city lights up with a pulsing nightlife. The older neighborhoods of Tokyo feature quaint cobbled streets and traditional, sculpted gardens.

The School

The language school program in Tokyo provides four weeks of intensive Japanese language study. Participants stay with host families at a commuting distance of 60 to 90 minutes from the school.

Arrival

Participants will stay in a hotel in Tokyo for one night on the day of arrival. An orientation will take place the following morning at the hotel.

Requirements

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 50, and must be able to read and write Hiragana and Katakana.

Dates for 2008

Summer: This session is full! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Fall: August 31, 2008 - September 28, 2008

Winter: January 4, 2009 - February 1, 2009

For more information about CCI’s Language School programs for Adults 18 and over or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

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